Every January, thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. It could be that 10 pounds put on over the holidays or maybe even that weight they gained in college but never lost. Gyms offer specials to attract these people. Group fitness classes are packed. Then something happens. February rolls around and classes start thinning out. Why? What’s stopping these people from sticking to their resolution?
What’s stopping YOU? I know, you have small children, work 40+ hours a week, you’re exhausted, gym memberships are too expensive, and most importantly you don’t have time. While I can’t and don’t intend to speak for others, I can speak for myself. I, too, made many excuses about why I couldn’t or didn’t want to work out.
In the summer of 2012, I started experiencing daily migraines. My doctor referred me to a neurologist. Unfortunately, the neurologist office could not give me an appointment until January 2013. Thankfully, my headaches eventually went away.
When January rolled around, I decided to keep my appointment. I had not been seen by a neurologist since I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two. Going into the appointment, I had made the decision to ask about physical therapy. I wasn’t sure if it would do anything to help me. At that point, I hadn’t had therapy in 20 years. Could anything really make a difference being that I was 35, overweight, suffering from arthritis, and severely out of shape? To my surprise, the doctor said yes, therapy was a good idea.
I began therapy at the end of January 2013 and also started going to the gym 3-4 times a week. There were plenty of days that I wanted to give up. I didn’t want to go to therapy, let alone get up and go to the gym. Then something happened – I started losing weight. As the weight came off, walking became easier. In turn, I was able to graduate from a walker to crutches, something I never thought possible.
I make time to exercise and have become extremely dedicated to working out.
I’ve also started making small changes to my diet. That’s been one of the hardest parts, but I’m working on it. I’ve had my fair share of obstacles and setbacks over the past year. I pushed through them, even at my lowest point.
Friends and strangers (via Instagram and Twitter) often tell me how inspirational I am. Think about this: I can’t hop on a traditional treadmill or just go for a walk. I have to modify the majority of exercises I do. For example, I do push-ups standing up and Zumba sitting down. It’s not easy; then again, nothing worthwhile is ever easy. I have adopted a “no excuses” philosophy. I always say that if I can do it, anyone can.
So…what’s stopping you?
